I have been building model cars for about 2 years now and recently picked up a few military trucks a Revell Apache helicopter and a Revell Warthog. I just started the warthog and from what I have read in magazines, online and the instruction manual it looks like the majority of painting is done after the model is built except for the detail parts. Is this correct? Is this how most military models are built?

Also, while building the warthog, there was a seam down the middle after I glued the two halves together. I sanded, filled and sanded again and have it pretty smooth now, but I also sanded some of the panel lines and rivets. Is there a better way to do this?

Thanks for any advice.

I don't do many ac models, but I paint and detail the cockpit, first. After that, you can mask it, with some cotton and spray the rest of the model. Paint the wheels, last.
Seam lines are common to most models. If you are using plastic cement, let it cure and you can gently scrape the residue off, with the tip of a sharp razor blade.
Hope this helps. And, I'm sure others will post their techniques.

Thanks for the input. I tried a seem scraper but the two halves didn't join that well. I want to blame it partially on the model and partially on my inexperience. I'm not going for an award winning model, just think it is a great looking plane that will look good hanging over my desk.